Sports device with robust marking

ABSTRACT

A sport device includes a longitudinal body comprising a handle, a barrel and two opposing endpoints. The longitudinal body comprising a first end adjacent the handle and a second end adjacent the barrel, wherein the first end is opposite the second end. The longitudinal body further comprising a knob at the first end. The knob is adapted to receive a marking, wherein the marking is arranged to be robust and protect the marking from deterioration. The sport device according to the invention can be arranged in many different ways with many different components, and is generally arranged to provide a baseball bat having a marking that is easily visible and long-lasting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relates generally to baseball and softball bats, and more particularly, to baseball and softball bats having a robust label.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

It is well known that a baseball bat is used for striking a ball during a game of baseball, and are used during baseball-related training sessions. The bat may be used with a conventional baseball, a conventional softball, a baseball or softball training-related ball, or any other type of ball. For the purposes of this description, the terms bat, ball, and baseball are used in their generic sense.

Baseball bats are made for many different age groups and as a result can have many different characteristics, such as length, weight, material used, diameter, etc. The information relating to the characteristics of a bat can be identified on the bat by markings. The markings, such as a model number, can be located on different areas of the bat, for example, the handle, the barrel, or at an end point of the bat. These markings can be etched onto an outer surface of the material of the bat, could be painted onto an outer surface the bat, or could be placed on an outer surface of the bat in the form of an adhesive label. Over time, the etched or painted markings or adhesive label could wear out and eventually become impossible or difficult to read. The worn out markings or labels would make it hard to easily determine the characteristics of the bat, and would require additional equipment to determine characteristics of the bat, such as the length, weight, etc.

An alternative method of marking a bat is using a marker pen to handwrite the marking on the bat on an outer surface of the bat. A marker pen allows the bat to be marked manually. The marker pen also can be used to mark the bat with personalized markings, such as uniform numbers, team logos, nicknames, etc. in addition to marking the bat with characteristics related to the bat. However, the marking from the marking pen can also wear out and become impossible or difficult to read. Additionally, having to manually mark a vast quantity of bats with a marker pen can be tedious and very time consuming.

Thus, etching or painting the marking, using an adhesive label, or using a marker pen are not long-lasting solutions for marking a bat that can withstand the abuse of typical use of the baseball bat.

SUMMARY

A sport device having a marking is presented which overcomes the problems noted above. A longitudinal body comprising a handle, a barrel and two opposing endpoints. The longitudinal body comprising a first end adjacent the handle and a second end adjacent the barrel, wherein the first end is opposite the second end. The longitudinal body further comprising a knob at the first end. The knob is adapted to receive a marking, wherein the marking is arranged to be robust and protect the marking from deterioration.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sport device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 a is a cross-sectional view of a sport device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 b is another cross-sectional view of the sport device of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of a sport device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a marking according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention provide a sport device adapted to receive a marking, wherein the marking is arranged to be robust and protect the marking from deterioration. The sport device according to the invention can be arranged in many different ways with many different components, and is generally arranged to provide a baseball bat having a marking that is easily visible and long-lasting.

Baseball bats are generally known in the art and are used when playing a baseball game or when doing baseball related activities, such as practice or training sessions. Typical baseball bats can be made of wood, aluminum, composite, and the like, or a combination thereof. Typical baseball bats can have markings on the baseball bat that provide information related to the characteristics of the bat, for example, the weight or length of the bat. Such markings are typically located on the barrel of the bat, but are susceptible to fading or deterioration due to hitting a baseball. Baseball bats typically hit the ball and if the bat is marked where the bat makes contact with the ball, then the repeated hitting of the ball will wear out the marking. Also, after the bat hits the ball, the bat is released and dropped, thrown, or placed on the ground, such repeated contact with the ground can also contribute to the marking wearing out over time. Furthermore, when not being used, bats can be stored in storage containers that could also cause the marking to wear out, especially if the marking is on the barrel of the bat. When a bat is in a storage container, the marking on the barrel of the bat is not visible and the bat must be removed from the storage container to read the marking on the barrel. A storage container holding more than one bat would require each bat to be removed from the container until the desired bat is found.

Oftentimes, a marker pen is used to mark an end of the bat, such as the knob, to identify a characteristic of the bat so that one would only have to look at the knob of the bat to locate the desired bat having the desired characteristic, instead of having to pull out all the bats until the desired one is found. However, the mark from the marker pen can also wear out over time, or the surface of the knob may not allow for ink from a marker pen to mark the knob of the bat. As an alternative, adhesive labels, such as stickers, can be placed on the knob of the bat. Though, stickers on the knob will eventually wear out and/or become damaged due in part to the bat being dropped on the ground or just general wear and tear.

The sport device of the invention can provide a number of additional advantages beyond those mentioned above. For example, in some embodiments a sport device comprising a marking embedded within the sport device and a protective layer over the marking that is transparent, such that the protective layer protects the marking so that the marking is clearly visible and does not deteriorate. Additionally, the marking is arranged to not come into contact with an external article, such as but not limited to a baseball, the ground and the like, due to the protective layer and thereby does not deteriorate as a result of regular use of the sport device.

The invention is described herein with reference to certain embodiments but it is understood that the invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In particular, the invention is described with reference to certain embodiments where the marking is embedded within the sports device, but in other embodiments the configuration can be modified. The invention can also be used with different types of sports devices beyond baseball and softball bats, although the invention is described herein with reference to baseball and softball bats.

It is to be understood that when an element or component is referred to as being “on” another element or component, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. Furthermore, relative terms such as “between”, “within”, “adjacent”, “below”, “proximate” and similar terms, may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element or component to another. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another. Thus, a first element discussed herein could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present application. It is understood that actual systems or fixtures embodying the invention can be arranged in many different ways with many more features and elements beyond what is shown in the figures.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to illustrations that are schematic illustrations. As such, the actual thickness of elements and features can be different, and variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of the regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. An element illustrated or described as square or rectangular will typically have rounded or curved features due to normal manufacturing tolerances. Thus, the elements illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a feature of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 1-4 shows an embodiment of a sports device 10 according to the invention. The sports device 10 comprising a longitudinal body 12 comprising a handle 14, a barrel 16, and a knob 22 proximate the handle 14. The sports device 10 further comprising a first end 18 and a second end 20, wherein the first end 18 is opposite the second end 20. The knob 22 is at first end 18 and is adapted to receive a marking, wherein the marking is arranged to be robust and protect the marking from deterioration.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 is of a sports device 10 in the form of a baseball bat, and the sports device 10 will be referenced as a baseball bat 10 from herein. The invention is not intended to be limited to a baseball bat 10. In other embodiments, the sports device 10 can be other sports-related items, such as but not limited to a softball bat, golf clubs, tennis/racquetball rackets, hockey sticks, or the like.

The knob 22 is arranged to receive the marking 24, such that the marking 24 is within the knob 22. The knob 22 comprises a cavity 26 adapted to receive the marking 24. The cavity 26 is configured to substantially correspond to the shape of the marking 24, such that the cavity 26 provides a tight-fitting opening to receive the marking 24. The marking 24, when received by the cavity 26, is adjacent at least one sidewall 28 of the cavity 26. In other embodiments, the marking 24 can be in contact with the at least one sidewall 28 of the cavity. An advantage of the invention is that there are substantially no gaps between the marking 24 and the at least one sidewall 28 of the cavity 26, which assists in ensuring a secure fit and reduces the likelihood of the marking 24 becoming dislodged from the cavity 26. In some embodiments, an adhesive can be used to further secure the marking 24 to the cavity 26. In other embodiments, a screw, nail, pin, rivet, or the like can be used to fasten the marking 24 to the cavity 26. In yet other embodiments, the marking 24 can be threaded and the cavity 26 can comprise threaded sidewalls 28 to threadedly receive the marking 24. The marking 24 can be secured or fastened to the cavity 26 many different ways and is not intended to be limited to the examples disclosed herein.

The cavity 26 receives the marking 24 such that the marking 24 does not substantially extend from the surrounding surface of the knob 22 of the baseball bat 10. In some embodiments, the marking 24 can have a convex or domed surface that extends beyond the knob 22 of the bat 10, as shown in FIG. 2 b. In other embodiments, the marking 24 can have a flat surface such that the marking is flush with the knob 22 of the bat 10, as shown in FIG. 3. The marking 24 can be configured in many different ways and is not intended to be limited to the examples disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the marking 24 can be configured to substantially correspond to the surrounding surface of the knob 22, such that knob 22 with the marking 24 is substantially similar to the shape of a knob of a conventional baseball bat without the marking 24.

The marking 24 can comprise a label 25 and a protective layer 27 that covers the label 25. The protective layer 27 is transparent and protects the label 25 from damage, such that the information on the label 25 is legible and does not deteriorate due to wear from normal use of the baseball bat 10. The label 25 and protective layer 27 are two separate structures that are coupled together prior to being installed in the cavity 26. In some embodiments, the label 25 can be fabricated onto the protective layer 27 instead of being prefabricated and then coupled to the protective layer 27. In yet other embodiments, the label 25 can be inserted into the cavity 26 and then the protective layer 27 can be in a soft or liquid form and cured into its final form. While in other embodiments, the protective layer 27 can be fabricated onto the label 25 and then the protective layer 27 and label 25 can be inserted into the cavity 26. The protective layer 27 can be formed of many different materials, such as but not limited to resin, silicone, plastic, and the like.

The label 25 can provide information related to at least one characteristic of the baseball bat 10, such as but not limited to weight, length, barrel size, etc. The label 25 can also have information related to a plurality of characteristics of the baseball bat 10. In some embodiments, the label 25 can further comprise custom symbols, characters, designs, logos, a combination thereof, or the like. For example, the label 25 can comprise a uniform number in addition to information related to characteristics of the bat. In other embodiments, the label 25 can comprise logos and/or insignias, such as but not limited to a team, manufacturer of the baseball bat 10, and/or sponsors, advertising, website address, barcodes, matrix barcodes, etc. An advantage of the invention is that the label 25 can comprise a serial number and/or a model number for inventory or warranty purposes, in addition to information related to characteristics of the bat 10 and logos. The label 25 having the serial number allows relevant information related to the baseball bat 10 to be stored and used for future reference, such as but not limited to delivering advertising to the purchaser of the bat, marketplace expansion of sales of the bat, and other marketing related information.

An advantage of the invention is that the marking 24 can provide a variety of text, numbers, and/or logos that are legible, such that relevant characteristics of the bat 10 are readily apparent and easily accessible. The invention allows bats 10 to be easily identifiable by reading the label 25, and eliminates the need to examine the barrel and other parts of the bat to determine the characteristics of the bat. For example, when the bat 10 is in a storage container, the marking 24 in the knob 22 is clearly visible and does not require the bat to be removed from the storage container to identify characteristics of the bat 10. Also, in situations where a vast number of bats are in storage containers, the marking 24 displays the relevant characteristics of the respective bats 10 which can be quickly viewed in order to select a desired bat. The invention eliminates the need to examine each of the bats in order to locate a bat having desired characteristics. Furthermore, repeated use of the bat 10 does not damage the marking 24 and will not fade out or become illegible as compared to etched, painted, or marker pen markings on conventional baseball bats. Yet another advantage of the invention is that the marking 24 can be configured to be a different and/or distinct color than that of the knob 22 of the baseball bat 10. The color distinction between the marking 24 and the baseball bat 10 allows the marking 24 to stand out, enhancing the visibility of the marking 24 and the information on the marking. The invention overcomes instances where the color of the bat would interfere or prevent an etching, paint, and/or sticker label from being easily readable on the bat.

The cavity 26 can be formed many different ways, and in one embodiment is formed by removing part of the material around the knob 22 that is used to make the baseball bat 10. In wood baseball bats, this requires the knob 22 of the baseball bat 10 to be milled to form the cavity 26. In non-wood baseball bats, such as aluminum, composite, and the like, the cavity 26 could be part of the form pressed into the knob to create the cavity 26 or could be part of the mold that is used to form the knob. The wood used to make the baseball bat 10 can be many different types of wood known in the art, such as but not limited to maple, ash, or guayaibi. In some embodiments, the weight of the marking 24 is included in the final weight of the baseball bat 10. As such, when milling the wood baseball bat 10 to form the cavity 26, the weight of the marking is taken into consideration and the baseball bat 10 can be milled to remove additional wood from the bat 10, such that the addition of the marking 24 does not cause the weight of the bat 10 to deviate from the intended weight of the bat. For example, the bat 10 can be milled at the second end 20 to form a second cavity opposite the cavity 26. In other embodiments, the weight of the label 25 and protective layer 27 is substantially equivalent to the weight of the wood removed from the bat in the forming of the cavity 26. This configuration allows the bat 10 to maintain the same weight prior to the formation of the cavity 26, such that a second cavity opposite the knob 22 does not have to be formed and/or modified.

The marking 24 can be shaped in many different ways. In one embodiment, the marking 24 can be disk-shaped, similar to a coin, with the label 25 covered by the protective layer 27, wherein the protective layer prevents external elements from contacting the label 25 and thereby preventing damage and/or deterioration to the label 25. The marking 24 is not intended to be limited to a disk-shaped configuration. In other embodiments, the marking 24 can be shaped in the form of a triangle, quadrilateral, or any other polygonal shape. The shape of the marking 24 is arranged to correspond to the opening of the cavity 26 in the knob 22.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, numerous variations and alternate embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only in terms of the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. A sports device, comprising: a longitudinal body having a handle and a barrel; a first end adjacent said handle; a second end adjacent said barrel, wherein said first end is opposite said second end; a knob at said first end; and a marking in said knob, wherein said knob is adapted to receive said marking.
 2. The sports device of claim 1, said marking comprising: a label; and a protective layer covering said label.
 3. The sports device of claim 2, wherein said protective layer prevents external elements from contacting said label.
 4. The sports device of claim 2, wherein said label provides information related to at least one characteristic of said sports device.
 5. The sports device of claim 2, wherein said label comprises alphanumeric characters.
 6. The sports device of claim 2, wherein said label comprises symbols.
 7. The sports device of claim 1, said knob further comprising: a cavity; and at least one sidewall adjacent said cavity, wherein said marking is received by said cavity and adjacent said at least one sidewall.
 8. The sports device claim 1, wherein said marking partially extends beyond said knob.
 9. The sports device of claim 1, wherein said marking is substantially flush with said knob.
 10. The sports device of claim 1, wherein said sports device is a wood baseball bat.
 11. The sports device of claim 1, wherein said marking is disk-shaped and said knob is correspondingly shaped to receive said marking.
 12. The sports device of claim 2, wherein said label is coupled to said protective layer.
 13. The sports device of claim 7, wherein a thickness of said marking is substantially equivalent to a depth of said cavity.
 14. The sports device of claim 2, wherein said protective layer is formed of a transparent material.
 15. A wood bat, comprising: a longitudinal body; a knob at a first end, said knob comprising a cavity adapted to receive a label; and a transparent layer on said label in said cavity, wherein said transparent layer adapted to seal said label within said cavity and filling said cavity.
 16. The wood bat of claim 15, wherein said transparent layer is coupled to said label, said label and transparent layer corresponding to the shape of said cavity.
 17. The wood bat of claim 15, wherein said transparent layer is deposited on said label and cured to correspond to the shape of said cavity.
 18. The wood bat of claim 15, wherein said label comprises a plurality of alphanumeric characters adapted to provide information related to at least one characteristic of said wood bat.
 19. The wood bat of claim 15, wherein the weight of said label and transparent layer is substantially equivalent to the weight of the wood removed from said wood bat in forming said cavity.
 20. The wood bat of claim 19, where a second cavity is formed at a second end of said bat to accommodate for the weight of said label and transparent layer, wherein said second cavity is opposite said knob. 